Job Description

Contracts Manager Civil Works

Position Title:

Contracts Manager - Civil Works

Reports To:

Group Operations Manager

Location:

Gauteng

Employment Type:

Temp to Perm

Purpose of the Role

The Contracts Manager is responsible for overseeing all contractual and commercial aspects of construction projects, including both civil works. The role ensures that contracts are properly negotiated, administered, and executed in line with legal requirements, project goals, and company objectives. This includes managing risk, claims, budgets, compliance, and relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities Contract Administration & Management

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with clients, consultants, and subcontractors. Administer contracts in line with JBCC, GCC, FIDIC, and NEC contract frameworks. Ensure contractual compliance with statutory and legal requirements. Manage and monitor contractual obligations and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle. Oversee documentation related to tenders, claims, variations, and extensions of time. Ensure proper record-keeping for all contractual correspondence and project documentation.

Financial & Commercial Control

Prepare, review, and approve payment certificates, progress claims, and final accounts. Track project budgets, cost reports, and financial performance. Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring profitability of projects. Conduct cash flow forecasting and align with project expenditure. Manage procurement contracts with suppliers and subcontractors.

Claims, Disputes & Risk Management

Identify potential risks and disputes early and implement mitigation measures. Prepare, submit, and defend contractual claims and variation orders. Resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, or formal processes when required. Advise senior management on contractual risks, liabilities, and legal exposures.

Project Support & Coordination

Work closely with Construction Managers, Project Managers, and Site Teams to ensure alignment with contractual obligations. Liaise with legal advisors, clients, consultants, and stakeholders to resolve contractual matters. Provide training and guidance to site teams on contractual awareness and compliance. Ensure alignment of contractual terms with company policies and procedures.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure contracts include adequate provisions for compliance with the OHS Act and environmental regulations. Monitor contractor and subcontractor compliance with legal and contractual HSE obligations.

Types of Contracts Managed

1. Civil Works Contracts

Roads, bridges, pipelines, stormwater, sewer reticulation, and structural civil engineering works. Typically governed by

GCC (General Conditions of Contract), FIDIC

, or

NEC

contracts.

2. Building Contracts (Added Advantage)

Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, including double and triple-storey projects. Typically governed by

JBCC (Joint Building Contracts Committee)

or

NEC building contracts

.
Minimum Requirements

Education:

National Diploma / BTech / BSc in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or related field.

Experience:

Minimum of

7-10 years' experience

in contract management within the civil construction industry.

Professional Registration (advantageous):

SACPCMP / RICS / ASAQS / ECSA

Knowledge:

Thorough understanding of JBCC, GCC, FIDIC, and NEC contract frameworks. Strong legal, commercial, and contractual background. Deep understanding of construction processes for both civil and building projects.

Other:

Valid driver's licence and ability to travel to multiple project sites.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Excellent financial and commercial acumen. Detailed knowledge of contract law and construction legislation in South Africa. Excellent communication and stakeholder management. Proficiency in MS Project, MS Office, and contract management software. Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams.

Typical Roles Played in Projects

Contracts Administrator:

Oversee compliance with JBCC/GCC contracts.

Commercial Manager:

Manage budgets, claims, variations, and final accounts.

Risk Manager:

Identify and mitigate contractual and financial risks.

Client Liaison:

Negotiate and resolve contractual matters with clients and consultants.

Dispute Resolution Lead:

Handled claims, arbitration, or mediation processes.
Job Type: Temp to perm
Contract length: 36 months

Pay: R40000,00 - R60000,00 per month

Experience:

Contracts manager: 7 years (Required)
Location:

Gauteng, Gauteng (City of Johannesburg) (Preferred)
Work Location: On the road